Urban fantasy anime transport viewers to worlds where the supernatural lurks in the shadows of modern cities, blending magic, mystery, and everyday life. As a passionate anime fan, I’ve curated this toplist of the eight best urban fantasy anime , each offering a unique take on the genre. Below, you’ll find in-depth reviews covering the storyline, characters, graphics, and my personal impressions, designed to ignite your passion for these incredible series.
1. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen thrusts viewers into a world where curses, born from human negativity, threaten society. High schooler Yuji Itadori becomes a vessel for Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses, after swallowing his finger to save friends. Enrolled at Tokyo Jujutsu High, Yuji trains to become a sorcerer, battling curses while seeking Sukuna’s remaining fingers. The story explores sacrifice, duty, and the moral complexities of power, set against the vibrant backdrop of Tokyo.
Characters:
- Yuji Itadori: A compassionate, athletic teen whose journey from ordinary student to sorcerer is both inspiring and tragic.
- Satoru Gojo: A charismatic, near-invincible teacher whose playful demeanor hides deep responsibility.
- Megumi Fushiguro: A stoic sorcerer with shikigami-based techniques, driven by a strong sense of justice.
- Nobara Kugisaki: A fierce, confident sorcerer whose unique hammer-and-nail techniques shine in battle.
- Ryomen Sukuna: A malevolent curse whose presence adds constant tension.
Graphics: MAPPA’s animation is breathtaking, with fluid fight scenes and vivid cursed techniques. Tokyo’s urban landscape, from crowded Shibuya streets to Jujutsu High, is rendered with stunning detail, enhancing the supernatural atmosphere.
Jujutsu Kaisen is a masterclass in balancing action, humor, and heart. Yuji’s growth and the ensemble cast’s dynamics make every episode gripping. The dark themes of loss and morality resonate deeply, while the animation elevates every battle to cinematic heights. It’s a must-watch for its emotional depth and thrilling urban fantasy anime world.
2. Durarara!!
Set in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district, Durarara!! weaves a complex tapestry of interconnected lives, centered around the headless dullahan Celty Sturluson, an urban legend. Newcomer Mikado Ryuugamine navigates the city’s supernatural and criminal underbelly, from the mysterious Dollars group to gang conflicts. The narrative explores identity, loyalty, and the hidden layers of urban life, with each character’s story intertwining in unexpected ways.
Characters:
- Mikado Ryuugamine: A shy student whose curiosity pulls him into Ikebukuro’s chaos.
- Celty Sturluson: A headless rider searching for her stolen head, blending strength and vulnerability.
- Izaya Orihara: A cunning information broker who manipulates events for amusement, a fascinating anti-hero.
- Shizuo Heiwajima: A volatile bartender with superhuman strength, whose rivalry with Izaya fuels much of the drama.
Graphics: Brain’s Base delivers solid animation, with Ikebukuro’s bustling streets vividly portrayed. Celty’s CGI-enhanced design is innovative, and character expressions capture the story’s emotional range.
Durarara!! is a chaotic, thrilling puzzle that rewards attentive viewers. Ikebukuro feels alive, with its neon lights and hidden secrets. The large cast and nonlinear storytelling create a rich, rewatchable experience. Celty’s quest and the human-supernatural interplay make this a standout urban fantasy, blending humor, mystery, and action seamlessly.
3. Noragami
Noragami follows Yato, a minor god scraping by on odd jobs, dreaming of a grand shrine. When high schooler Hiyori Iki saves him from a bus accident, her soul becomes unstable, tethering her to the spirit world. Together with Yato’s regalia, Yukine, they tackle supernatural threats, exploring themes of purpose, belief, and redemption in a modern urban setting.
Characters:
- Yato: A charming, down-on-his-luck god with a mysterious past and unwavering determination.
- Hiyori Iki: A kind, strong-willed girl navigating her dual existence as human and spirit.
- Yukine: Yato’s troubled regalia, whose growth from a rebellious teen to a loyal ally is compelling.
- Kofuku Ebisu: A cheerful goddess of poverty, adding humor and chaos.
Graphics: Bones’ animation shines, with fluid action and expressive character designs. The supernatural elements, like Yato’s battles with phantoms, are visually striking against the urban backdrop.
Noragami is a heartfelt gem that balances comedy, action, and drama. Yato’s journey from obscurity to significance is inspiring, and Hiyori and Yukine’s growth adds emotional weight. The urban setting feels intimate, with gods and spirits hiding in plain sight. It’s a series that warms the heart while delivering thrilling battles.
4. Dorohedoro
In the gritty city of the Hole, a refuge for humans tormented by sorcerers from another dimension, Dorohedoro follows Caiman, a man with a reptile head and amnesia, and his friend Nikaido. They hunt the sorcerer who cursed Caiman, navigating a violent, surreal world of magic and mayhem. The story blends horror, comedy, and mystery in a unique urban fantasy anime setting.
Characters:
- Caiman: A brash, determined protagonist whose quest for his identity drives the narrative.
- Nikaido: A skilled fighter and loyal friend with her own magical secrets.
- En: A powerful sorcerer and antagonist with a complex relationship to the Hole.
- Shin: A kind-hearted sorcerer who aids Caiman, adding moral ambiguity.
Graphics: MAPPA’s animation captures the Hole’s dark, chaotic aesthetic with gritty detail and bizarre character designs. The surreal visuals and intense action sequences make every episode visually unforgettable.
Dorohedoro is a wild, unapologetic dive into a bizarre world. Its blend of gore, humor, and heart is unlike anything else in anime. The Hole feels like a living, breathing dystopia, and Caiman’s quest is both thrilling and oddly relatable. This series is a bold, must-see for fans of dark urban fantasy.
5. Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100 centers on Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, a psychic middle schooler in Seasoning City who suppresses his emotions to control his immense powers. Working under the con artist Reigen Arataka, Mob faces supernatural threats, from evil spirits to rival espers, while grappling with his identity and unrequited love. The story explores self-discovery and emotional growth in an urban setting.
Characters:
- Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama: A quiet, relatable teen whose emotional struggles and psychic outbursts drive the story.
- Reigen Arataka: A charismatic fraud whose mentorship of Mob blends humor and heart.
- Tsubomi Takane: Mob’s crush, a subtle but pivotal influence on his growth.
- Dimple: A mischievous spirit who evolves into a complex ally.
Graphics: Bones delivers stunning animation, with Mob’s psychic battles bursting with vibrant, chaotic energy. The urban setting is detailed, grounding the supernatural in a relatable world.
Mob Psycho 100 is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling and action. Mob’s journey to embrace his feelings is universally relatable, and Reigen’s flawed yet endearing mentorship adds depth. The animation, especially during Mob’s 100% moments, is jaw-dropping. This series is a perfect blend of heart, humor, and urban fantasy anime thrills.
6. Steins;Gate
Set in Tokyo’s Akihabara district, Steins;Gate follows Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, who discovers a way to send messages to the past using a modified microwave. His experiments with time travel unravel dire consequences, forcing him to navigate alternate realities to save those he loves. The story blends science fiction with urban fantasy, exploring fate and sacrifice.
Characters:
- Rintarou Okabe: An eccentric, lovable protagonist whose determination drives the narrative.
- Kurisu Makise: A brilliant neuroscientist whose wit and vulnerability complement Okabe.
- Mayuri Shiina: Okabe’s cheerful childhood friend, whose fate adds emotional stakes.
- Itaru “Daru” Hashida: A skilled hacker and loyal friend, adding humor and technical expertise.
Graphics: White Fox’s animation is atmospheric, with detailed urban settings and tense, dialogue-driven scenes. The time-travel effects are subtle but impactful, enhancing the story’s weight.
Steins;Gate is a gripping, emotional rollercoaster. Its slow build leads to a heart-wrenching climax, with Okabe’s struggles resonating deeply. Akihabara’s tech-filled streets ground the fantastical elements, making the story feel intimate. This series is a must for fans of complex narratives and urban fantasy anime with a sci-fi twist.
7. Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a debt-ridden teen who merges with his devil dog Pochita to become Chainsaw Man, a hybrid with chainsaw limbs. Joining the Public Safety Devil Hunters, Denji battles devils born from human fears in a modern urban world. The story explores survival, loyalty, and the cost of dreams in a brutal, devil-filled society.
Characters:
- Denji: A simple, relatable protagonist whose desire for a normal life fuels his journey.
- Makima: A mysterious, manipulative leader whose influence over Denji is both alluring and unsettling.
- Power: A chaotic fiend whose partnership with Denji is both hilarious and heartfelt.
- Aki Hayakawa: A serious hunter whose bond with Denji adds emotional depth.
Graphics: MAPPA’s animation is phenomenal, with visceral action and grotesque devil designs. The urban settings, from rundown apartments to city streets, ground the supernatural chaos.
Chainsaw Man is a raw, unfiltered masterpiece. Denji’s raw humanity and the series’ blend of horror, comedy, and tragedy make it unforgettable. The animation is a visual feast, and the urban setting amplifies the stakes. It’s a bold, mature take on urban fantasy anime that leaves a lasting impact.
8. Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul follows Ken Kaneki, a college student turned half-ghoul after a deadly attack. Struggling to survive by consuming human flesh, Kaneki joins Anteiku, a ghoul-run cafe, to navigate his new identity. Set in Tokyo, the series explores themes of identity, morality, and coexistence in a world where ghouls hide among humans.
Characters:
- Ken Kaneki: A tragic hero whose internal conflict between human and ghoul is deeply compelling.
- Touka Kirishima: A fierce ghoul who helps Kaneki, balancing strength and vulnerability.
- Hideyoshi “Hide” Nagachika: Kaneki’s loyal friend, whose optimism contrasts the story’s darkness.
- Kishou Arima: A formidable ghoul investigator, adding tension to the human-ghoul conflict.
Graphics: Studio Pierrot’s animation is solid, with intense fight scenes and detailed ghoul designs. Later seasons faced criticism for inconsistent quality, but the urban setting remains immersive.
Tokyo Ghoul is a haunting exploration of identity and survival. Kaneki’s transformation is both heartbreaking and gripping, and Tokyo’s dark alleys enhance the story’s tension. While later seasons diverge from the manga, sparking debate among fans, the core story remains powerful. It’s a must-watch for its emotional depth and urban fantasy anime grit.
Conclusion
These eight anime showcase the best of urban fantasy anime , blending supernatural thrills with the pulse of city life. From the curse-filled streets of Jujutsu Kaisen to the time-bending chaos of Steins;Gate, each series offers a unique lens on the genre. Whether you crave action, mystery, or emotional depth, these anime deliver unforgettable experiences. Dive into these worlds and discover the magic hidden in the urban jungle.
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